U.S. patent application number 14/593153 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-16 for mounting assembly providing for movement about multiple axes.
The applicant listed for this patent is GOJO Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Mark W. Moore.
Application Number | 20150200439 14/593153 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52424130 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150200439 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moore; Mark W. |
July 16, 2015 |
MOUNTING ASSEMBLY PROVIDING FOR MOVEMENT ABOUT MULTIPLE AXES
Abstract
A network assembly includes an antenna sleeve for supporting an
antenna. The network assembly includes a mounting assembly for
movably attaching the antenna sleeve to a network device. The
mounting assembly is movable with respect to the network device
about a first axis. The antenna sleeve is movable with respect to
the mounting assembly about a second axis.
Inventors: |
Moore; Mark W.; (Aurora,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GOJO Industries, Inc. |
Akron |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52424130 |
Appl. No.: |
14/593153 |
Filed: |
January 9, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61925962 |
Jan 10, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
403/57 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01Q 1/2291 20130101;
H01Q 1/084 20130101; H01Q 1/125 20130101; Y10T 403/32041 20150115;
Y10T 403/32581 20150115; Y10T 403/32008 20150115; H01Q 1/106
20130101; H01Q 1/088 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01Q 1/12 20060101
H01Q001/12 |
Claims
1. A network assembly comprising: an antenna sleeve for supporting
an antenna; and a mounting assembly for movably attaching the
antenna sleeve to a network device, the mounting assembly movable
with respect to the network device about a first axis, the antenna
sleeve movable with respect to the mounting assembly about a second
axis.
2. The network assembly of claim 1, wherein the second axis is
substantially perpendicular to the first axis.
3. The network assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting assembly
comprises a pivot structure movably attached to the network device,
the pivot structure movable about the first axis.
4. The network assembly of claim 3, wherein the pivot structure
comprises an elongated flex opening that extends along a length of
the pivot structure.
5. The network assembly of claim 4, wherein the flex opening
extends substantially parallel to the first axis.
6. The network assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting assembly
comprises an attachment structure for attaching to the antenna
sleeve, the antenna sleeve movable with respect to the attachment
structure about the second axis.
7. The network assembly of claim 6, wherein the attachment
structure comprises a mounting opening through which the antenna
sleeve is received.
8. The network assembly of claim 7, wherein the attachment
structure comprises a pivot opening into which the antenna sleeve
is movable when the antenna sleeve moves about the second axis.
9. A network assembly comprising: an antenna sleeve for supporting
an antenna; and a mounting assembly for movably attaching the
antenna sleeve to a network device, the mounting assembly
comprising: a pivot structure movably attached to the network
device, the pivot structure movable about a first axis; and an
attachment structure for attaching the antenna sleeve to the pivot
structure, wherein the antenna sleeve is movable with respect to
the attachment structure about a second axis.
10. The network assembly of claim 9, wherein the second axis is
substantially perpendicular to the first axis.
11. The network assembly of claim 10, wherein the pivot structure
comprises an elongated flex opening that extends along a length of
the pivot structure.
12. The network assembly of claim 11, wherein the flex opening
extends substantially parallel to the first axis.
13. The network assembly of claim 11, wherein the attachment
structure comprises an extension portion that is configured to be
removably received within the flex opening of the pivot structure
such that when the extension portion is received within the flex
opening, the pivot structure remains substantially fixed in
cross-sectional size.
14. The network assembly of claim 9, wherein the attachment
structure comprises a mounting opening through which the antenna
sleeve is received.
15. The network assembly of claim 9, wherein the attachment
structure comprises a pivot opening into which the antenna sleeve
is movable when the antenna sleeve moves about the second axis.
16. The network assembly of claim 9, comprising a first pivot
attachment portion that extends outwardly from the pivot
structure.
17. The network assembly of claim 16, wherein the attachment
structure comprises a first attachment opening that is configured
to receive the first pivot attachment portion of the pivot
structure such that the attachment structure is non-rotatable with
respect to the pivot structure.
18. A mounting assembly for a network device, the mounting assembly
comprising: a pivot structure movably attached to the network
device, the pivot structure movable about a first axis; and an
attachment structure configured to attach an antenna sleeve to the
pivot structure, wherein the antenna sleeve is movable with respect
to the attachment structure about a second axis that is
substantially perpendicular to the first axis.
19. The mounting assembly of claim 18, wherein when the attachment
structure is attached to the pivot structure, the attachment
structure non-rotatable with respect to the pivot structure.
20. The mounting assembly of claim 18, wherein the attachment
structure comprises a mounting opening through which the antenna
sleeve is received.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/925,962, filed on Jan. 10, 2014, the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The instant application is generally directed towards a
mounting assembly. For example, the instant application is directed
towards a mounting assembly for an antenna sleeve.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A network device can comprise an antenna sleeve for
supporting an antenna. The antenna sleeve can be oriented to
communicate with a device. A network device can be used, for
example, in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, factories,
restaurants, etc.
SUMMARY
[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify
key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
[0005] In an example, a network assembly comprises an antenna
sleeve for supporting an antenna. The network assembly comprises a
mounting assembly for movably attaching the antenna sleeve to a
network device. The mounting assembly is movable with respect to
the network device about a first axis. The antenna sleeve is
movable with respect to the mounting assembly about a second
axis.
[0006] In another example, a network assembly comprises an antenna
sleeve for supporting an antenna. The network assembly comprises a
mounting assembly for movably attaching the antenna sleeve to a
network device. The mounting assembly comprises a pivot structure
movably attached to the network device, the pivot structure movable
about a first axis. The mounting assembly comprises an attachment
structure for attaching the antenna sleeve to the pivot structure,
wherein the antenna sleeve is movable with respect to the
attachment structure about a second axis.
[0007] In another example, a network assembly comprises an antenna
sleeve for supporting an antenna. The network assembly comprises a
mounting assembly for movably attaching the antenna sleeve to a
network device. The mounting assembly comprises a pivot structure
movably attached to the network device, the pivot structure movable
about a first axis. The mounting assembly comprises an attachment
structure for attaching the antenna sleeve to the pivot structure,
wherein the antenna sleeve is movable with respect to the
attachment structure about a second axis.
[0008] The following description and annexed drawings set forth
certain illustrative aspects and implementations. These are
indicative of but a few of the various ways in which one or more
aspects can be employed. Other aspects, advantages, and/or novel
features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following
detailed description when considered in conjunction with the
annexed drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example network
assembly;
[0010] FIG. 2A is an illustration of an example network
assembly;
[0011] FIG. 2B is an illustration of an example network
assembly;
[0012] FIG. 3A is an illustration of an example network
assembly;
[0013] FIG. 3B is an illustration of an example network
assembly;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example network
assembly;
[0015] FIG. 5A is an illustration of an example network assembly;
and
[0016] FIG. 5B is an illustration of an example network
assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The claimed subject matter is now described with reference
to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used
to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description,
for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set
forth in order to provide an understanding of the claimed subject
matter. It is evident, however, that the claimed subject matter can
be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,
structures and devices are illustrated in block diagram form in
order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter.
[0018] Turning to FIG. 1, a network assembly 100 is illustrated.
The network assembly 100 can be used to sense any number of
conditions, such as, for example, a person's presence within an
area. In an example, the network assembly 100 comprises a network
device 102. The network device 102 can comprise any number of
devices, comprising, but not limited to, receivers, transmitters,
repeaters, electronic devices, wireless communication devices, or
the like. In some examples, the network device 102 can communicate
(e.g., with an antenna 106) with a second device, such as by
transmitting and/or receiving information to/from the second
device.
[0019] The network device 102 can comprise an opening 104 that
extends between an interior and an exterior of the network device
102. In some examples, the opening 104 is sized and shaped to
receive an antenna 106. For example, the antenna 106 can extend
from the interior of the network device 102, through the opening
104, and to the exterior of the network device 102. The antenna 106
can comprise any number of sizes/shapes, such that in other
examples, the opening 104 may be larger or smaller than illustrated
in FIG. 1.
[0020] The network assembly 100 can comprise an antenna sleeve 110
for supporting the antenna 106. The antenna sleeve 110 is
illustrated as being partially exploded and separated from the
network device 102 for illustrative purposes and to more clearly
show the structure of the antenna sleeve 110. In operation, the
antenna sleeve 110 is substantially hollow, such that the antenna
sleeve 110 can receive the antenna 106 within an interior of the
antenna sleeve 110. The antenna sleeve 110 comprises any number of
sizes/shapes, and in some examples, may be longer or shorter than
as illustrated. In an example, the antenna sleeve 110 is movably
attached with respect to the network device 102, such that the
antenna sleeve 110, comprising the antenna 106, can be
oriented/directed to pair with a target, such as a second network
device (e.g., transmitter, receiver, etc.). By orienting the
antenna sleeve 110, transmission of information to/from the antenna
106 is improved, such that a maximum transmission range of the
antenna 106 is likewise improved. In this example, the antenna
sleeve 110 can extend substantially linearly between a first end
115 and a second end 116, though other, non-linear shapes are
envisioned.
[0021] The antenna sleeve 110 can comprise one or more axle
portions that project outwardly from an outer surface of the
antenna sleeve 110. The axle portions can facilitate movement of
the antenna sleeve 110. In an example, the axle portions comprise a
first axle portion 112 and a second axle portion 114 that are
located at the first end 115 of the antenna sleeve 110. The first
axle portion 112 and second axle portion 114 can extend outwardly
from opposing sides of the antenna sleeve 110 (e.g., extending
along a direction that is substantially transverse to a direction
along which the antenna sleeve 110 extends). In an example, the
first axle portion 112 and the second axle portion 114 have
substantially rounded, circular shapes. In the illustrated example,
the first axle portion 112 has a different cross-sectional size
than the second axle portion 114. In other examples, however, the
first axle portion 112 and second axle portion 114 can have
substantially the same cross-sectional size. In one possible
example, one or both of the first axle portion 112 and second axle
portion 114 may comprise an opening through which the antenna 106
can be inserted into the antenna sleeve 110.
[0022] The network assembly 100 can comprise a mounting assembly
120 for movably attaching the antenna sleeve 110 to the network
device 102. The mounting assembly 120 is illustrated as being
partially exploded and separated from the network device 102 and
antenna sleeve 110 for illustrative purposes and to more clearly
show the structure of the mounting assembly 120. In operation,
however, the mounting assembly 120 can be attached with respect to
the network device 102. In an example, the mounting assembly 120 is
movable with respect to the network device 102 about a first axis
122. In some examples, the antenna sleeve 110 is movable with
respect to the mounting assembly 120 about a second axis 124. As
illustrated in FIG. 2, the second axis 124 is substantially
perpendicular to the first axis 122.
[0023] Turning to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the mounting assembly 120
comprises a pivot structure 200 that is movably attached to the
network device 102. In an example, the pivot structure 200 is
movable about the first axis 122. The pivot structure 200 extends
between a first end 202 and a second end 204. In some examples, the
first end 202 of the pivot structure 200 can be removably inserted
into the opening 104 of the network device 102. The pivot structure
200 can comprise a cross-sectional size/shape that matches the
cross-sectional size/shape of the opening 104 of the network device
102. In an example, the pivot structure 200 can comprise a circular
cross-sectional shape that is slightly larger than a circular
cross-sectional shape of the opening 104. As such, the pivot
structure 200 can be inserted into the opening 104 with a reduced
likelihood of the pivot structure 200 being inadvertently removed
from the opening 104 of the network device 102.
[0024] The mounting assembly 120 comprises an interior opening 206
that extends from the first end 202 to the second end 204. The
interior opening 206 defines a substantially hollow space extending
along a length of the pivot structure 200. In one possible example,
the interior opening 206 is large enough such that the antenna 106
can pass through the interior opening 206 of the pivot structure
200 to the antenna sleeve 110.
[0025] The pivot structure 200 comprises an elongated flex opening
210 that extends at least partially along a length of the pivot
structure 200. In an example, the flex opening 210 extends
substantially parallel to the first axis 122. The flex opening 210
defines a space, gap, slit, or the like between a first side 212
and a second side 214 of the pivot structure 200. Accordingly, the
first side 212 and the second side 214 of the pivot structure 200
are spaced apart to define the flex opening 210. In the illustrated
examples of FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, the pivot structure 200 comprises a
first cross-sectional size in which the pivot structure 200 and the
flex opening 210 are substantially not compressed.
[0026] In some examples, to insert the pivot structure 200 into the
opening 104, the pivot structure 200 can be compressed (e.g.,
illustrated as compression direction 215), such that the
cross-sectional size of the pivot structure 200 can be reduced. As
the pivot structure 200 is compressed, the flex opening 210 is
reduced in size with the first side 212 and second side 214 moving
closer together. Upon being compressed, the pivot structure 200 can
be inserted into the opening 104 of the network device 102, since a
cross-sectional size of the pivot structure 200 (e.g., after being
compressed) will be less than a cross-sectional size of the opening
104. After being inserted, the pivot structure 200 can, in some
examples, revert to the uncompressed cross-sectional size of FIGS.
1, 2A and 2B.
[0027] To assist in attaching the pivot structure 200 to the
opening 104, the pivot structure 200 can comprise an attachment
ledge 216 located at the first end 202. The attachment ledge 216
comprises an outwardly extending radial projection. The attachment
ledge 216 can extend partially or completely circumferentially
around the pivot structure, such as from the first side 212 to the
second side 214. In operation, the attachment ledge 216 can
contact/abut the network device 102 around the opening 104. As
such, the pivot structure 200 is substantially limited from being
inadvertently removed from the opening 104.
[0028] The pivot structure 200 can comprise one or more pivot
attachment portions. In an example, the one or more pivot
attachment portions of the pivot structure 200 comprise a first
pivot attachment portion 220 and a second pivot attachment portion
222. The first pivot attachment portion 220 and second pivot
attachment portion 222 can extend radially outwardly from an outer
surface of the pivot structure 200. In the illustrated example, the
first pivot attachment portion 220 and second pivot attachment
portion 222 are positioned substantially opposite each other. In
other examples, however, the first pivot attachment portion 220 and
second pivot attachment portion 222 can be positioned at nearly any
location along the pivot structure 200. In one example, a line
bisecting the first pivot attachment portion 220 and second pivot
attachment portion 222 is substantially perpendicular to the first
axis 122.
[0029] The pivot structure 200 can comprise one or more pivot
structure openings. In an example, the one or more pivot structure
openings of the pivot structure 200 comprise a first pivot
structure opening 230 and a second pivot structure opening 232. In
some examples, the first pivot structure opening 230 and second
pivot structure opening 232 define openings, holes, spaces, or the
like in the second end 204 of the pivot structure 200. In this
example, the first pivot structure opening 230 and second pivot
structure opening 232 are positioned substantially opposite each
other. In other examples, however, the first pivot structure
opening 230 and second pivot structure opening 232 can be
positioned at nearly any location along the pivot structure
200.
[0030] The first pivot structure opening 230 and second pivot
structure opening 232 can be the same size or different sizes (as
illustrated). In one possible example, the first pivot structure
opening 230 comprises a first cross-sectional size while the second
pivot structure opening 232 comprises a second cross-sectional
size. In the illustrated example, the first cross-sectional size of
the first pivot structure opening 230 is smaller than the second
cross-sectional size of the second pivot structure opening 232. In
other examples, the first pivot structure opening 230 and second
pivot structure opening 232 could be larger or smaller than as
illustrated. Likewise, while the first pivot structure opening 230
and second pivot structure opening 232 have a substantially rounded
shape in FIGS. 2A and 2B, other shapes, comprising circular,
non-circular, non-rounded, etc., are envisioned.
[0031] The pivot structure 200 can comprise one or more movement
openings. In an example, the one or more movement openings of the
pivot structure 200 comprise a first movement opening 240 and a
second movement opening 242. In some examples, the first movement
opening 240 and second movement opening 242 define opening, holes,
spaces, or the like in the second end 204 of the pivot structure
200. In this example, the first movement opening 240 and second
movement opening 242 are positioned substantially opposite each
other. In other examples, however, the first movement opening 240
and second movement opening 242 can be positioned at nearly any
location along the pivot structure 200. In this example, the first
movement opening 240 is positioned between the first pivot
structure opening 230 and the second pivot structure opening 232.
The second movement opening 242 can be positioned between the first
pivot structure opening 230 and the second pivot structure opening
232 opposite the first movement opening 240.
[0032] One or both of the first movement opening 240 and second
movement opening 242 can be sized and/or shaped to receive the
antenna sleeve 110. For example, as will be described in more
detail below, the antenna sleeve 110 can be movably attached to the
pivot structure 200. As such, the antenna sleeve 110 can move/pivot
with respect to the pivot structure 200 about the second axis 124.
In an example, the antenna sleeve 110 can move into the first
movement opening 240 and/or the second movement opening 242.
[0033] Turning to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the mounting assembly 120
comprises an attachment structure 300 for attaching to the antenna
sleeve 110. In an example, the attachment structure 300 can attach
the antenna sleeve 110 to the pivot structure 200. As such, in some
examples, the antenna sleeve 110 is movable with respect to the
attachment structure 300 about the second axis 124. In an example,
the attachment structure 300 extends between a first end 302 and a
second end 304. In some examples, the attachment structure 300
comprises a mounting opening 310 through which the antenna sleeve
110 is received. In an example, the mounting opening 310 extends
through the attachment structure 300 from the first end 302 to the
second end 304.
[0034] The attachment structure 300 can comprise one or more
attachment openings. In an example, the one or more attachment
openings of the attachment structure 300 comprise a first
attachment opening 320 and a second attachment opening 322. In some
examples, the first attachment opening 320 and the second
attachment opening 322 are positioned substantially opposite each
other. In other examples, however, the first attachment opening 320
and second attachment opening 322 can be positioned at nearly any
location along the pivot structure 200.
[0035] The first attachment opening 320 and second attachment
opening 322 can be the same size (as illustrated) or different
sizes. In one possible example, the first attachment opening 320
and second attachment opening 322 have a cross-sectional size that
substantially matches or is slightly larger in size than the first
pivot attachment portion 220 and second pivot attachment portion
222, respectively. For example, the first attachment opening 320 is
sized/shaped to receive the first pivot attachment portion 220
while the second attachment opening 322 is sized/shaped to receive
the second pivot attachment portion 222.
[0036] In operation, the first attachment opening 320 can receive
the first pivot attachment portion 220 of the pivot structure 200
such that the attachment structure 300 is non-rotatable with
respect to the pivot structure 200 Likewise, the second attachment
opening 322 can receive the second pivot attachment portion 222 of
the pivot structure 200 such that the attachment structure 300 is
non-rotatable with respect to the pivot structure 200. By being
non-rotatable, the pivot structure 200 is substantially limited
from rotating about the first axis 122 with respect to the
attachment structure 300. As such, when the attachment structure
300 is attached to the pivot structure 200, the attachment
structure 300 is non-rotatable with respect to the pivot structure
200.
[0037] The attachment structure 300 can comprise an extension
portion 340. The extension portion 340 extends from the first end
302 of the extension portion 340 in a direction that is
substantially parallel to the first axis 122. The extension portion
340 comprises any number of sizes and shapes. For example, as
illustrated, the extension portion 340 can extend in a
substantially linear direction from the first end 302 of the
extension portion 340. In other examples, the extension portion 340
can extend a longer or shorter distance than as shown or may extend
non-linearly. In this example, the extension portion 340 comprises
a width that is substantially equal to a width of the flex opening
210 of the pivot structure 200. As such, the extension portion 340
can be removably received within the flex opening 210 of the pivot
structure 200.
[0038] In operation, the extension portion 340 can be removably
received within the flex opening 210 such that when the extension
portion 340 is received within the flex opening 210, the pivot
structure 200 remains substantially fixed in cross-sectional size.
For example, when the extension portion 340 is received within the
flex opening 210, the first side 212 and second side 214 of the
flex opening 210 can contact/abut the extension portion 340. As
such, the flex opening 210 is substantially fixed in size due to
the extension portion 340 limiting the first side 212 from flexing
towards the second side 214.
[0039] Turning now to FIG. 4, the operation of the antenna sleeve
110 and mounting assembly 120 can be described. As illustrated, the
pivot structure 200 can be inserted into the opening 104 of the
network device 102. The pivot structure 200 is movable with respect
to the network device 102 about the first axis 122. The antenna
sleeve 110 can be attached to the pivot structure 200. In this
example, the first axle portion 112 and second axle portion 114 can
be received within the first pivot structure opening 230 and second
pivot structure opening 232, respectively, of the pivot structure
200. With the first axle portion 112 received within the first
pivot structure opening 230 and the second axle portion 114
received within the second pivot structure opening 232, the antenna
sleeve 110 can rotate with respect to the pivot structure 200 about
the second axis 124.
[0040] The attachment structure 300 can receive the antenna sleeve
110. In an example, the antenna sleeve 110 can be received within
the mounting opening 310 of the attachment structure 300. The
attachment structure 300 can be moved in a movement direction 400
towards the pivot structure 200.
[0041] Turning now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the attachment structure 300
can be attached to the pivot structure 200. FIG. 5B illustrates the
mounting assembly 120 along lines 5B-5B of FIG. 5A. As illustrated,
the extension portion 340 of the attachment structure 300 can
extend into the flex opening 210 Likewise, the extension portion
340 can extend at least partially into the opening 104 of the
network device 102. As such, the extension portion 340 can block
and/or limit the pivot structure 200 from compressing (e.g., in the
compression direction 215 of FIGS. 2A and 2B) such that the pivot
structure 200 remains substantially fixed in cross-sectional size.
Accordingly, the pivot structure 200 is substantially limited from
being inadvertently removed from the opening 104.
[0042] With the attachment structure 300 attached to the pivot
structure 200, the antenna sleeve 110, comprising the antenna 106,
is free to move about the first axis 122 and/or the second axis
124. For example, the antenna sleeve 110 can be rotated into the
pivot opening 350 of the attachment structure 300, such that the
antenna sleeve 110 can move about the second axis 124 along a
second movement direction 510. In an example, the pivot structure
200, which supports the antenna sleeve 110, can move about the
first axis 122 along a first movement direction 520 by rotating
with respect to the network device 102. Accordingly, the mounting
assembly 120, comprising the pivot structure 200 and attachment
structure 300, allows for the antenna 106 and antenna sleeve 110 to
move in a plurality of directions. As such, the antenna 106 and
antenna sleeve 110 can be oriented to pair with another network
device, thus improving the transmission and/or reception range of
the antenna 106.
[0043] Although the subject matter has been described in language
specific to structural features or methodological acts, it is to be
understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims
is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts
described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described
above are disclosed as example forms of implementing at least some
of the claims.
[0044] Various operations of embodiments are provided herein. The
order in which some or all of the operations described should not
be construed to imply that these operations are necessarily order
dependent. Alternative ordering will be appreciated having the
benefit of this description. Further, it will be understood that
not all operations are necessarily present in each embodiment
provided herein. Also, it will be understood that not all
operations are necessary in some embodiments.
[0045] Many modifications may be made to the instant disclosure
without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject
matter. Unless specified otherwise, "first," "second," or the like
are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an
ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers,
names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a
first end and a second end generally correspond to end A and end B
or two different or two identical ends or the same end.
[0046] Moreover, "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an
example, instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as
advantageous. As used in this application, "or" is intended to mean
an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". In addition, "a"
and "an" as used in this application are generally to be construed
to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from
context to be directed to a singular form. Also, at least one of A
and B or the like generally means A or B or both A and B.
Furthermore, to the extent that "includes", "having", "has",
"with", or variants thereof are used in either the detailed
description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive
in a manner similar to "comprising".
[0047] Also, although the disclosure has been illustrated and
described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent
alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the
art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification
and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such
modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of
the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions
performed by the above described components (e.g., elements,
resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are
intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any
component which performs the specified function of the described
component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not
structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition,
while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been
disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such
feature may be combined with one or more other features of the
other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any
given or particular application.
* * * * *